We Wish You a Messy Christmas

Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Pages: 176
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Publisher: Revell

This Christmas, the perfect gift might just be learning to let go and love the chaos.

It's Christmastime, and Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor, veterinarian Malcolm McEntire. Life should be merry, but Olivia is worried about her mother Jane's reaction to this budding romance. Their families couldn't be more different. Perfectionist Jane cannot tolerate the unorganized, messy, fun-loving McEntires, and the thought of being permanently linked as in-laws will surely send her over the edge.

Desperate to save both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her dad concoct an intervention to turn Jane's holidays into a big mess. But they barely launch their plan before fate intervenes with a serendipitous mess of its own.

In this delightful Christmas novella full of faith and hope, Melody Carlson delivers small-town charm, family dynamics, and a sweet contemporary romance perfect for the holiday season.

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Reviewer: Trinity Caver

We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson was a great, quick Christmas in July read. This book will likely have you laughing and maybe crying a bit. This book is about the Christmas season, which is usually a blessed, fun, and happy time, but there are issues discussed in the story that are pretty heavy.

I think the author does a great job at not making things too gloomy, but she does not seem to shy away from situations that may be a little uncomfortable that need to be talked about and worked out. There are moderate to strong mentions of faith in Jesus Christ in this book, it seems to be the right amount to encourage Christians to continue following Jesus in righteousness and at the same time to encourage those that do not know Jesus to get to know Him as their Lord and Savior.

Ultimately this story, like others seems to point to the relationship we have with Jesus and how sometimes we will go through trials, but trusting in our Savior is always the answer, for He knows what is best for us, even when we do not. In addition, pointing to our relationship with Jesus, we must first love Him as He loved us, and then we can love others, to include in a dating relationship and in marriage.

Malcom McEntire is the main male character. He has known Olivia Blake, the main female character, pretty much all his life since they were neighbors growing up. His family is pretty laid back and unconcerned with keeping up any appearances for other people. They are a pretty close-knit family and love each other dearly. Malcolm moves away to college to become a veterinarian. While at college, he runs into Olivia, they hang out and eventually begin dating.

Malcolm plans to go home for Christmas and wants to invite Olivia so they can officially tell their families about their dating. Malcolm believes his family will be elated to hear the news, but Olivia is not so sure about her parents, particularly her mother, Jane. Jane is a perfectionist, and more than that, it may seem that she has OCD, but has not ever been diagnosed. It seems to get worse as the years go by. This is why Olivia thinks her mother will likely have a hard time with her relationship with Malcolm, because Jane dislikes the McEntire’s because they are not as clean as she is or likes, to her they are very messy and she wants nothing to do with them. The reader can see how this might present a big problem for Malcolm and Olivia, who may be looking to get married in the future.

Jane and her father devise a plan for a Christmas intervention. They hope that this will show Jane that she has been very difficult to live with, but that they love her and want to see her get better. As with all interventions, things could go really well, or it could result in a blow-up that will be hard to contain.

I really enjoyed the book, and I thought it had the right pacing for a novella. Some people may have a hard time with how Malcolm and Olivia’s relationship develops, but I think it seemed pretty normal, especially for two people who were neighbors, now moving to a dating relationship. It is worth a note to keep in mind that it is a novella, so it can be difficult to flesh out the characters and storyline with enough developmental information without losing people. I think the author did a really good job of keeping these elements spot on. I recommend picking this book up, really was a cozy, enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion

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Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer

I absolutely love reading Melody Carlson stories and this is no acception! Another wonderful Christmas novel. Olivia Bradshaw leaves her stiff house with her stiff mom to go to college and to get a job. The hardest part was figuring out who she is after a difficult relationship with her mom. 

Jane Bradshaw is struggling to deal with life in general and how to allow anything to be out of her control. One challenging year after year, her husband Rob decides to have a Christmas intervention to help his wife. 

Malcolm McEntire has spent his child living next door to the Bradshaws. After a chance run in with Olivia Bradshaw, he decides to start a relationship. While visiting his family along with Olivia, he is torn after spending time with Olivia’s mom. 

This is another cute Christmas story. It’s funny and serious. There is also a little suspense and also second chances. The biggest lesson is you don’t pick your family! I highly recommend this book! 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.

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